A letter from our Executive Director, Mike Riley.

A simple but powerful idea guides our work here at The Environmental Center: Local action can make a world of difference. I’m reminded of its importance as we enter the new year and a new season of decision-making by our elected leaders.

Climate change is the environmental issue of our day. And while action to reduce climate pollution is needed at all levels, we have the most control over what happens at the state and local level. In 2019, our elected officials have some important opportunities to take meaningful steps forward to reduce Bend and Oregon’s climate pollution. I hope you’ll take time to remind them that you support bold action.

In Salem, the Oregon Legislature is poised to pass the Clean Energy Jobs bill. The bill would set a cap on climate pollution, require permits to emit such pollution, sell the permits through an auction, and reinvest the proceeds in activities that move Oregon to a low-carbon, clean energy future. These activities could include energy efficiency improvements and solar power for low-income families, electric vehicle infrastructure, soil and water conservation, and more.

Here in Bend, our City Council will be adopting a new transportation plan later this year that will guide walking, driving, biking and transit investments for the next 20 years. Our City Councilors will have the opportunity to invest not only in roads, but also in building a low-stress bike network across the whole community; completing our sidewalk systems in existing and new neighborhoods; and improving transit service. They’ll have the opportunity to invest in making our streets safer for all users: drivers, bikers, walkers and people with disabilities.

But none of this will happen unless our elected leaders hear from you. They need to know that you value state and local action that will lead to a cool, clean atmosphere and safe streets that get people out of their cars. Why? Because it’s good for people, it’s good for the economy and it’s good for the environment. It will ensure a better future for our grandchildren’s grandchildren.

So as we enter the new year, think global and act local by making your voice heard. Communicate with our elected leaders. Tell them what you care about, and encourage them to take bold action.

Contact information for all Oregon State Senators by District.

Contact information for all Oregon State Representatives by District.

Not sure who represents you? Find out here.

The Energy Challenge team is excited to announce they have installed free LED light bulbs in 700 homes in Redmond! Over the past three years, The Energy Challenge has installed over 75,000 super-efficient LED (light emitting diode) light bulbs in over 5,000 homes in Central Oregon. Each bulb may seem like a small drop in the bucket, but cumulatively these bulbs will save Central Oregon residents over $13.8 Million, or an annual savings of almost $500,000.

This free program connects Central Oregon residents, homeowners and renters alike, with resources to save energy instantly. As soon as you switch a light on, you are already using 80% less energy than a conventional light bulb. Efficient water-saving fixtures can also help save energy by reducing the amount of hot water that needs to be heated, and of course, the amount of water consumed. In addition to instant savings, participants are connected with resources to take their energy savings a step further through other opportunities such as heat pump water heaters, ductless heat pumps, and solar power systems.

Deanna Nielsen and her two daughters were the lucky Redmond residents living in the 700^th home to get the free LEDs. By installing these bulbs and water-saving fixtures in their home, Deanna and other participants are helping their community by saving energy – which helps to prevent the need for more power plants. The amount of energy saved each year with these light bulbs has an energy equivalent it takes to power 333 homes for one year.

“We hope this illustrates that even your smallest actions add up to something much bigger than yourself,” said Neil Baunsgard, Program Manager of The Energy Challenge. “When you’re making changes to save energy, however small, you’re part of a community-wide movement and you truly are making a difference.”

The program is scheduled to run through the end of December 2018 and is available in Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Madras and Tumalo. Residents are encouraged to sign up online or by calling at 541-385-6908 X26. This program is made possible through collaboration with Energy Trust of Oregon and Central Electric Cooperative.

Homegrown renewable energy is expanding in Central Oregon–both for residential use and utility-scale and rightfully so. We have some of the best solar potential in the US. This is an opportunity to visit a solar farm and get behind the scenes.

Local Cypress Creek Renewables staff will be on site at the solar farm on Neff Road to discuss the development process, the energy generation, give you a tour, and answer any questions you may have about utility-scale solar projects.

This 10 MW solar project covers 62 acres on Neff Road and just east of Big Sky Park. It produces enough energy to power 3,000 homes. The power that is generated is sold to Pacific Power. With 67% of Pacific Power’s current energy mix coming from coal, this is a really big and important step in the direction to creating a clean energy future here in Central Oregon.

Close-toed shoes required. You will be required to wear safety equipment and sign a liability waiver.

Only 10 spots available per hour. On the Green Tour, tours will start at the top of the hour from 10:00 – 4:00. 

Reserve your spot on a solar farm tour!

Tour Guides

Eric Prezzia, O&M, Cypress Creek Renewables

Amy Berg Pickett, Cypress Creek Renewables;

Address

21836 Neff Rd, Bend

See the full map and detials of Green Tour sites!

Results to be presented on August 2^nd

On September 7, 2016, the Bend City Council adopted a Climate Action Resolution that laid out a clear pathway for Bend to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Now, almost two years later, Bend’s greenhouse gas emissions inventory is complete and action planning is about to get started. Next week is a great opportunity to catch up on how far we’ve come, learn what’s next in the process, and continue to demonstrate our support for local climate action.

A brief refresher…

After the Resolution was adopted, the City of Bend needed help to fund implementation of the Resolution. Working together, the City, The Environmental Center, Oregon League of Conversation Voters, and other local activists set out to raise $175,000.

First, The City of Bend committed $50,000. Next, we called on Bend citizens and businesses to show their support – and you answered, helping us raise $25,000! With those funds in hand, we were then able to secure $100,000 in grants from Partners for Places and donor-advised funds of the Oregon Community Foundation.

Our successful fundraising effort set the stage for what’s happened this year. The City hired a Sustainability Coordinator in March and appointed a citizen-led Climate Action Steering Committee in April, to oversee the climate action planning effort and identify priority action strategies. Lindsey Hardy, Energy Challenge program director at The Environmental Center and Mike O’Neil of Solaire Homebuilders are co-chairs of the committee.

And that gets us to August 2018. Next week, the steering committee will formally receive and discuss the recently completed community greenhouse gas emissions inventory. The inventory identifies the primary sources of Bend’s emissions and forms the foundation for the action planning that will begin this fall.

The inventory will be presented to the Climate Action Steering Committee at its public meeting on Thursday, August 2^nd, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers at City Hall. From 3:00 to 4:30, the consultants that prepared the inventory will present, and then the committee will discuss and ask questions. If time allows, community members may also be able to engage directly with the consultants; otherwise, community members can ask questions during the public input section of the meeting at approximately 5:30. Go here to see the full agenda for the committee’s meeting.

In the coming months, subcommittees will be formed to explore greenhouse gas reduction strategies. Stay tuned for details on subcommittee recruitment, how you can get involved, and meeting schedules. All subcommittee meetings will also be open to the public.

Working together, we’ve catalyzed adoption and implementation of Bend’s Climate Action Resolution.

Thank you for helping us get this far. Now, let’s keep the momentum rolling. Please continue to show up in support of local action to reduce climate pollution! We hope to see you at City Hall on August 2^nd.